MAPPING CRIME HOTSPOTS IN DAVAO CITY: A SPATIAL ANALYSIS

Eleanor Jane O. Dela Cruz, Rowela C. Pecson

Abstract


This study analyzed the spatial distribution of index crimes in Davao City from 2020 to 2025 using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to identify crime hotspots and examine patterns of crime concentration. Specifically, it focused on index crimes: rape, homicide, murder, robbery, theft, carnapping motor vehicle, carnapping motorcycle, and physical injuries. A quantitative, descriptive, and non-experimental research design was employed, utilizing secondary crime data obtained from the Davao City Police Office - City Investigation and Detective Management Unit. The data were organized using Microsoft Excel and analyzed through Quantum Geographic Information System to generate crime hotspot maps and identify barangays with high concentrations of crime incidents. The findings revealed that crime incidents were spatially concentrated in specific barangays rather than randomly distributed. Bucana consistently emerged as a recurring hotspot from 2020 to 2025, and rape was the dominant index crime from 2020 to 2023, whereas theft became the most prevalent crime in 2024 and 2025. The results support theories of this study, indicating that crime is influenced by population density, commercial activity, transportation networks, and human mobility. The study highlights the value of GIS-based crime mapping in supporting evidence-based policing, strategic resource allocation, hotspot policing, and public safety planning in Davao City.

 

SDG Indicator: #16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions)


Keywords


criminal justice, GIS, crime hotspots, spatial analysis, crime mapping, index crimes, Davao City

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejsss.v12i4.2293

Copyright (c) 2026 Eleanor Jane O. Dela Cruz, Rowela C. Pecson

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